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After House Bill 315, Huber Heights proposes fee policy for law-enforcement video; exemption for officer-involved shootings
Summary
Following House Bill 315, staff proposed a public-records policy allowing charges to recover actual costs for preparing law-enforcement video (up to $75/hour; cap $750 per video) and proposed a May 1 effective date if adopted.
City staff presented an amendment to the city's public-records policy to implement a provision of Ohio House Bill 315 (effective April 3) that allows local law enforcement agencies to charge for the actual costs of preparing public-safety video records. Staff proposed a resolution to permit charges consistent with the statute: actual costs up to $75 per hour and a per-video cap of $750.
The proposal would allow the city to require prepayment of an estimated cost before producing video records and to refund any overpayment or collect additional payment if the actual cost exceeds the estimate. Staff said the change could deter commercial requesters that file large-volume requests and then profit from the material — for example, companies packaging footage for broadcast — while also helping the police division manage backlog.
Staff included an explicit exemption: video records of critical incidents in which an officer fires a deadly weapon at a person would be provided without charge. The city manager would retain discretionary authority to waive fees for other public-purpose requests, court orders, subpoenas or requests from other public offices. Staff proposed the resolution take effect May 1 if adopted.
Council members expressed support for the approach and staff confirmed police division input; the item will be placed on the regular meeting agenda.
